Developer Picked For School For Deaf

RICHMOND — The Board of Education brings Hampton back into play as a location for a consolidated school.

The state Board of Education chose a developer to build a consolidated school for the deaf and blind Wednesday, but it came no closer to deciding where that school would be located.

Board members told the developer to examine three options: renovate one of the state-operated schools in Hampton or Staunton or build a new one in one of those locations, or build a school somewhere else within the state.

The state is set to consolidate the schools after years of declining enrollment.

The board's move Wednesday brings Hampton back into consideration for a consolidated school.

Original proposals did not include the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-disabled in Hampton as a possible site.

Meanwhile, more than 60 people from Hampton -- many of them graduates of the school -- showed up to convince the board that the school should stay there.

"These students have no one to speak for them except us," said Rudy Langford, a Hampton community activist. "These students are entitled to a fair education."

Speakers also gave the board a petition with 4,500 signatures in support of keeping the school in Hampton.

The General Assembly approved budget language last session that allowed the state to consolidate the Hampton and Staunton schools, which a task force had recommended.

The state received proposals from two groups that would combine the schools into a centralized site. The accepted proposal, from developer Trammell Crow Co., originally did not name the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-disabled in Hampton as a possible site.

It could be several months before the board decides on a site, and board members told supporters, who filled the meeting room, that there will likely be several more chances for public comment before a location is chosen.

The proposals were submitted under the Public-Private Education Act, which encourages partnerships between public and private entities so that taxpayers don't have to foot a project's entire cost.

The school opened in Hampton in 1909. Supporters argue that the school grounds are functional and more accessible for students with severe handicaps.

Walter Cuffy, who is deaf, said his parents went to the Hampton school the first year it opened, and he later attended the school.

"We come here often over and over again to discuss the closure of this school," he said through an interpreter. "Maybe what I'm hoping is you can keep the school in Hampton open as well as Staunton."

The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton opened in 1838. The hilly campus about 100 miles west of Richmond is noted for its architecture as well as its educational programs.

The Staunton school has 156 students, the Hampton school 65. Both had about 500 students several years ago.

"In a perfect world, I would like to see all schools remain open," said Rachel Bavister, president of the Virginia Association of the Deaf, through an interpreter.

"However, funding has diminished and the number of students has diminished. We know consolidation has to happen."